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HLA-B27 Testing in Practice
A single center study shows HLA-B27 testing is often performed by both by rheumatologists and nonrheumatologists for a wide array of reasons and often along with other serologic tests. Optimal use of HLA-B27 testing has yet to be defined.
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A Review of Intracranial GCA
A comprehensive review in Rheumatology on intracranial giant cell arteritis (icGCA) stresses that GCA is both an intracranial and extracranial large vessel vasculitis, with the former having unique presentations, and outcomes.
Imaging in Axial Spondyloarthritis
The diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is clinical, however, there are still unmet needs, particularly in the diagnosis of early disease and evaluation of disease activity and progression. As imaging technology continues to evolve, its role in axSpA management is expected to expand, offering more precise, individualized care. Here are two studies presented at EULAR 2025.
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There's an App for That (and it works): the AXIA RCT
Dr. Aurelie Najm reports on abstract LB0002 presented at the EULAR 2025 meeting in Barcelona, Spain.
https://t.co/IRZ1L7BqLW https://t.co/Av2vVheShE
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JAMA Clinical Challenge - 34-yoF with Forearm Pain and Stiffness. 1 yr of progressive skin tightening over forearms, tibia, LOM of fingers & elbows. Denied DM, Raynauds. Worse after tennis, better w/ steroids. Increased ANA, eosinophils, CRP, aldolase - your Dx? https://t.co/ppuzIB4iRf
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What we need in very early arthritis
It's easy to think that in our current world that we've done it all for rheumatoid arthritis, that there's nothing left to be done after b/tsDMARDs have become relatively widespread and accessible. If we aren’t satisfied that we’ve done all https://t.co/v8T3JQwuhM
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Korean Health claims data study of 35,133 newly Dx, seropositive #RA pts (2011 to 2020) & 1,386 (3.9%) were Dx w/ new-onset stroke (CVA). Signif. lower risk of CVA w/ SSZ (aOR: 0.79) or HCQ (aOR: 0.83), but Increased risk w/ glucocorticoids (aOR: 1.71) & tocilizumab (aOR: 3.47) https://t.co/rPaj6cH74K
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Using Veterans Affairs data (2006 - 2020) on RA-ILD patients, a target emulation trial showed no difference in mortality or respiratory hospitalization comparing RA-ILD Rx w/ either RTX, abatacept, tocilizumab, tofacitinib. Does this mean? they Dont Work or the Do Work? https://t.co/MkQmKsE3WQ
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What would it take for JAKs to ROCK the boat?
JAK inhibitors have taken a beating over the last three years. The excitement and potential has been tempered by mounting cardiovascular safety concerns, but specifically in at-risk patients, compared to TNF inhibitors. https://t.co/tgfsU3uFVo
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post hoc MRI study from Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) of 210 knee OA pts (mean age 64) Rx w/ either IA corticosteroids or hyaluronate (HA). Bboth reduced pain post-injx (WOMAC -5.2 CS & -2.1 HA), CS had worse progression (cartilage, BM lesions, meniscus) vs controls & HA https://t.co/pbb1ePXob1
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Upcoming Lupus Nephritis Pipeline
1. Gazyva (obinutuzumab) – due for FDA/EMA decision
2. Saphnelo IV (anifrolumab) – now in Phase III (new indication for LN
3. Ianalumab SC (Dual-action B-cell inhibitor) – now in Phase III https://t.co/mTInV8JXzq https://t.co/3qg1FWzZRI
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Lichenoid rash vs SCLE? JAMA Dermatology case - 60yoM w/ https://t.co/xl11CwB1AJ problems & meds has pink-red papules (central hypopigmentation) on arms, chest, back (no fungus). Bx= lichenoid dermatitis. Rash worsened, red & annular; Dx now SCLE +ANA/Ro/La) from diltiazem. SCLE
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Promising role of Fc neonatal receptor blockade in autoimmune rheumatic diseases
During the Late-Breaking Abstract session at EULAR 2024, we learned about a novel mechanism of action therapy, nipocalimab in Sjogren’s disease (SjD).
https://t.co/5bjyaqTqSN https://t.co/i4mGMYfyNK
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
National Psoriasis Found. Consensus Defines On-Treatment Remission in Plaque Psoriasis as 0% BSA and MD global=0 for at least 6 months while on treatment. For both clinical practice and clinical trials. https://t.co/QJg0ZIQ5Mv https://t.co/0FnbFcpXQB
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Survey shows only 1% of men are concerned about bone density; but 2 million men have osteoporosis, and 16 million men have osteopenia. https://t.co/DA4vSmj0vd? https://t.co/V4OChN022V
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Increasing costs of biologics. X-sectional study of 76 781 psoriasis pts on biologics (TNFi, IL12/23, IL-17i, IL-23i) saw annual treatment cost increase from $21 236 in 2007 to $47 125 in 2021. AVG cost could have been 44% lower if lowest-cost Rx in same class was used https://t.co/IOaK75zsgg
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By March 2025, the FDA has approved 71 biosimilars (15 interchangeable). The US & EU biosimilars markets spent $22.58 billion in 2024 & is projected to increase by 25% to $171.79 billion by 2033 https://t.co/fsqGTzWuhC https://t.co/ZLYSIwRqI4
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EULAR 2025 – RA Panel Discussion
Leading experts in rheumatology dive into the latest advances, treatment strategies, and emerging research in rheumatoid arthritis. Don’t miss this in-depth panel as they unpack key findings from EULAR 2025 and discuss what’s next for RA care. https://t.co/hoxz0zWieN
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Eular 2025 PsA Topic Panel
https://t.co/wJ08aKGZfJ https://t.co/6OvkIeOT76
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
EULAR 2025 – SpA Panel Discussion
Leading rheumatology experts discuss the latest research, treatment advances, and clinical insights in axial spondyloarthritis. Hear what’s new from EULAR 2025 and what it means for improving patient outcomes.
https://t.co/AcwtseWBi0 https://t.co/MzEN0VtLx6
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
